Arthurian Legend
From the Middle Ages to the New Millennium

Discussion Questions for February 27th

Here are a few discussion questions relating to the assigned readings for our next class. Please give them some serious thought so that we can use them to initiate a class discussion.

1. Malory uses dreams several times in his tales. What do the beasts and images in these dreams represent? Why are they significant? What purpose do dreams serve to the story?
2. Arthur's conception is also described in the History of the Kings of Briton . Compare how the two works treat this scene, and the scenes immediately following.
3. The title Le Morte d'Arthur translates as "The Death of Arthur," but the romance tells of Arthur's entire life. Why do you think Malory chose not to call it "The Life of Arthur"?
4. It seems a minor theme that characters are being tested by whether or not they can remove a sword from its resting place. What is the symbolic significance of this act?